Rilla, as you know, is eight years old, which means it’s her turn for the family tradition called Daddy Reads Mommy’s Martha Books to You. Which for all four of my daughters now has meant, as sure as the sun will rise, a sudden burning need to learn how to spin. I understand; the passion gripped me, too, when I was writing those books. I never did score myself a spinning wheel (it’s on the Someday list) but I had to have a drop spindle so I could know what it felt like to fumble along like beginner Martha. She got good at it way faster than I did, though. In my defense, she had Auld Mary for a teacher, whereas I? Didn’t even have YouTube yet. It was 1997, which means the internet helpfully told me what books to read.

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What a lovely tradition! It’s so sweet that Scott reads your books to them.

We loved the Martha books so much, but I failed to produce a drop spindle for my kids to play with. However, a chap with a spinning wheel helpfully showed up at the farmer’s market one Saturday and put on a demonstration for us. Although his spinning wheel was all shiny and modern and metal.

Now we’re on to Charlotte. I just read the scene where Lewis loses his finger on Sunday afternoon. Dom started laughing at how choked up I was. I couldn’t read it without crying. The tradesmen’s parade was a big hit. Ben and Anthony and Sophie all laughed and laughed.

I’ve done a drop spindle (with someone to teach me! Goodness, hard to imagine learning that from a book) and I yearn for a wheel. On my Someday list too, I suppose. Partly it’s because I’m a knitter and it would be neat to be able to spin the yarn I use, and partly it’s so I can say I know how.

Sophie and Ben and Anthony loved the video. (Bella’s at the eye doctor.) Ben also nticed the book icons in the sidebar and reproached me that we do not yet have Inch and Roly and the Sunny Day Scare. Clearly I am remiss.

Spinning is addictive, I should know I have three wheels. If you are looking for a good deal on a used spinning wheel check Craigslist for Ashford Traditional wheels. A solid well made wheel, that a lot of people start with, easy to use and maintain and if you need to buy extra bobbins they are reasonably priced.